Capt.
Michael Manis
is a professional guide and redfish tournament angler from southwest Florida
who specializes in the use of artificial baits.

Most of my time is spent in the backcountry of Matlacha and Pine island
Sound. These inshore tidal flats contain some of both the cleanest and
clearest water anywhere are very shallow and are also full of thick turtle
grass mixed in with deeper sand spots or potholes. The result is some
of the most prime redfish habitat in the state. Due to these conditions,
the fish can be a bit on the cautious side so stealth is vital. In my
travels on the professional redfish tournament trail, I have found that
redfish in many other venues are also frightened very easily. If you ever
find yourself in this situation, here is a tip to help you increase your
casting distance which will also increase your hookups. I fish a lot of
soft plastic shrimp patterns and I like to rig my baits backwards using
the 1/8 ounce 4/0 Shrimpaler
2 rig. By doing this, the head or heaviest end of the bait instead
of the lighter tail section is out front on the cast enabling much more
distance. For example, I will cut off the tail of a three inch Gulp shrimp
and screw the hitchhiker into the where the tail was cut off. I will then
set the hook into the belly of the shrimp making for a long distance weedless
presentation. Moreover, by cutting off the tail section the bait will
exude even more scent than usual. This style rig combined with the quality
construction and sharp edge of the Shrimpaler
2 makes a great combination.

Captain
Jack Hartman

Sarasota, Florida

Fishing tips for
Snook, Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout and Flounder

by Sarasota Florida fishing guide Jack
Hartman

As a Sarasota Florida fishing guide for many
years, I have seen many new lures come and go over the years, but I
have never seen anything like the impact that Bayou Buck’s lures
have had in the Sarasota/Bradenton area in such a short time. The 3
new lures that have hit the Southwest Florida fishing scene and have
produced both high quality catches with a enormous variety of local
species are the Shrimpaler,
Pogeaux Pop and the ZZ
Spot Spinners.

Used in a assortment of ways, the Shrimpaler are now becoming the “go
to” hook for a growing number of local anglers and guides. For fishing
extremely shallow water, the Shrimpaler 2 ,in the 1/8 size with the extra
sharp VMC hooks, is deadly for Snook, Redfish, Large Sea Trout and Flounder.
Rigged with your favorite plastic 5” jerkbaits or large curly tail
grub, it is both weedless and enticing all game fish. The advantage of
the Shrimpaler 2 is that
the weighed hook causes it to sink in a horizontal manner giving the angler
the benefit of keeping the lure in the “strike zone” longer
when fishing potholes, sandbars or oyster bars. Shrimpaler 2’s as
well as the regular Shrimpaler are excellent choices when sight fishing
also. When you see a Redfish or Snook on the flats, it is almost a guaranteed
strike. The standard Shrimpaler is an outstanding option for all kinds
of jerkbaits, grubs, artificial shrimp and live shrimp. The weighted collar
hook keeps all plastics in place fish after fish which certainly gives
the Shrimpaler an advantage over other products. Used around docks, mangrove
holes, stick ups and other small target areas, the Shrimpaler is easy
to throw and fish love the action.

I have used the Pogeaux Pop for a short time now with clients who range
from expert to absolute novice. So far, we have caught Snook, Reds, Sea
Trout, Flounder, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper( to 22”),
Sheepshead, Pompano, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle and when I see a Cobia or
Tripletail, I am certain they will hit it also. Later in the day or really
any time, find scattered grass in water of 3 to 6 ‘ for fishing
the Pop. In Sarasota, we rig the Pogeaux Pop with about 3’ of mono
leader( #30) and either an artificial shrimp or live shrimp on a Shrimpaler
hook. ALWAYS replace the hooks/weight in artificial shrimp with a Shrimpaler,
as they will soon ride up and you will begin to miss fish. Glow is a hot
color here right now, so give the Gleaux shrimp a try. It is economical
and out fishes the artificial shrimp we have available in Florida. To
fish the Pogeux Pop , simply cast it out pop it a couple of times and
let the spring action create a clattering sound, reel up your slack and
repeat. The Popeaux Pop’s sound will call in fish from long distances.

Finally, Bayou Buck’s "ZZ Spot Spinners" are very effective
along mangrove edges, oyster bars, or when you are trying to locate Redfish
in a large flat. Blind casting the ZZ Spot Spinner Jr. or Oyster Jr. with
Exudes or Darts is both easy and effective. In our local backwater, canal
or mangrove areas, the water is often slightly discolored and the Redfish
really hone in on the swirling blades of both of these lures. An added
attraction to the spinners is that they are extremely angler friendly.
Simply cast it out a long distance for maximum coverage and reel it in
just above the bottom with a steady retrieve that allows the lure to flash
and vibrate. Hitting the bottom on occasion seems to trigger strikes as
well. Hold on tight…the Redfish strike it violently.